The Colorado Avalanche’s Erik Johnson skates away from two players on the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on Feb. 6, 2014, in Philadelphia. (Drew Hallowell, Getty Images)

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson is scheduled to serve a two-game NHL suspension[1] for his slash against the New York Islanders last week. In a shorthanded situation, Johnson made a two-handed chop at Frans Nielsen’s hands, when Nielsen attempted to rim the puck around the boards. Nielsen suffered a broken hand.

Unless he appeals and wins his case, which is extremely doubtful, Johnson will miss the Feb. 26 and Feb. 28 home games against the Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes, respectively, when the NHL resumes from the Olympic break. Johnson’s first NHL suspension is without pay.